LIVERPOOL have launched a surprise bid to add Rickie Lambert to their growing contingent of England players.

An initial offer of about £4million, that would rise on appearances, has been made with Lambert, 31, the third Southampton player in whom Liverpool have expressed an interest.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has targeted Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren and is looking to move quickly in the market having also bid £16m for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno.

Rodgers sent boyhood Liverpool fan Lambert, who was released by the Anfield club as a youngster but boasts a Liver Bird tattoo, a congratulatory message when he scored on his England debut against Scotland at the start of the season.

"I have been a big admirer of Rickie," said Rodgers in September. "I sent him a message, a fax, when he made his England debut as I know he is a big Red.

"I sent it on behalf of the club and all Kopites. He is a Kirkby boy and I was just wishing him well, saying we were all proud of him playing for England."

Lambert - who was wanted by West Ham in January - is part of England's World Cup squad preparing for tonight's friendly with Peru at Wembley.